Is it cheaper for four people to stay in a hostel for a week or in a hotel?

Just returned from Dublin. We found some great deals on hotels there. We booked 3 nights online in advance using commercial sites (like Orbitz, booking.com, hotels.com, etc.) and paid US$60/night double w/bath and w/full breakfast in Dublin at the George Frederic Handel, just off Temple Bar. It was basic but quite comfortable, quiet, and clean. We also booked 3 nights at the Holiday Inn Express near Dublin Airport - even nicer and with a terrific breakfast buffet - at about the same price. I don't think you can touch this price in a good hostel there. The better rated hostels like Kinlay House run $40-$60 per person for doubles on sites like Hostelworld. You don't get down to $60 for two at Kinlay until you reach the 20-bed dorm room.

Of course, you'll save conversion fees on atm and credit cards or on cash conversions by paying at home before you go, so book ahead.

For a group of 4 renting a vacation appartment can easily be the most affordable option. Definitely the first option I'd check out especially if you're considering staying a week in one place.

I'm not familiar with vacation rentals in Ireland and England but www.vrbo.com is a good starting point for anywhere in the world.

I agree that if you are staying in one place for a week an apartment is the way to go. You will have way more room in an apartment than a hotel room and it will probably cost less. I rented an apartment in Paris (and locations in the U.S.) through VRBO.com and I have always been happy.

England as you know is very expensive so don't forget the large amount of money you will spend on the trains if you travel around the country. The trains in England and NOT as affordable as the trains in the rest of Europe. Also take into consideration if you will be using the Underground in London very much to buy an Oyster pass otherwise, you will be spending $7.00 to $8.00 everytime you use the underground. Have fun.

you'll save conversion fees on atm and credit cards or on cash conversions by paying at home before you go <<

Not necessarily. The credit card fee is now called a "foreign transaction fee" rather than a "conversion fee." If your charge is processed outside of the US most cards will add their 1-3% fee whether it's run in Euros or Dollars.

you'll save conversion fees on atm and credit cards or on cash conversions by paying at home before you go <<

Not necessarily. The credit card fee is now called a "foreign transaction fee" rather than a "conversion fee." If your charge is processed outside of the US most cards will add their 1-3% fee whether it's run in Euros or Dollars.<<

That's quite right, Peter. You'll be dinged by booking directly with European merchants - which is why I referred to the US-based agencies that will spare you these fees.

Apartments are generally cheaper for 4, but in London you can find great deals on Priceline or Hotwire.com.

The only catch with apartments is you usually have to stay for at least 3 days or more.

The temple bar area in Dublin is the heart of the city, but its noisy.. so check tripadvisor.com for the feedback of the hotels.

July is generally high season, so it will be pricier than earlier like May.

You can probably find budget hotels, apartments or B&B options for about the same as four people at a hostel.

You will have to shop around a little to see what suits you best.

If you're in Dublin for a whole week, than an apartment may save you money. Many of them rent by the week. You can look on daft.ie for some options.

Just shop around. Hostels in Dublin can run as much as 25-30 euro per person, so hotels and B&B's may be a better option. Remember to factor in the cost of breakfast, too. Irish breakfasts are huge, so if you stay at a B&B, you can save money on meals by having small lunches.